MORE DODGEBALL GAMES

Elimination Dodgeball

All players stand within a confined space (e.g. ½ volleyball court). Begin with about 3-4 balls in play. If players pick up a ball, they are not permitted to move, but must throw the ball at another person, hitting below the waist (direct hit). If hit, the player must stand outside the boundary, and that player can pick up a ball and throw from where he/she stands. A caught ball is considered a hit. If a player around the outside boundary hits a player within the boundary, those players switch positions.

Protect the Baton

Each player is given a relay baton. Two teams separated by a centre line, which cannot be crossed. Relay batons are placed on end anywhere within the boundary, at least one foot away from a wall (and not hidden in doorways, etc.) Players cannot sit or kneel in front of the baton to protect it. Body hits do not count. If a baton is knocked down, that player (who collects his or her baton) is eliminated and stands on the sidelines. Once eliminated, the player is out for that round. Teacher can make suggestions regarding teamwork to protect batons (e.g. partnering, or one person protects three batons, etc.). About 6 balls in play.

Partner Baton

Two teams, partners within teams. Teams are separated by a centre line, which cannot be crossed. Each pair receives a relay baton, which they protect together (e.g. one person protects, the other throws). Batons can be placed anywhere within the playing area (as above). Body hits do not count. Once a baton is knocked down, that pair is eliminated, and they must retrieve their baton and stand along the sidelines until the round is over. About 6 balls in play.

Battleship Dodgeball

Three volunteers, each with three balls (two smaller balls to throw, one larger ball to kick, must be foam balls; different colours work well). Those players stand one behind the other spread out along the middle of the gym (like the stacks on a battleship). All other players line up along one end wall. The first person (first smokestack) says “go”, at which point, all players must run to the other end of the gym. Smokestacks fire their balls at players running by. They must throw from their starting point, even if they are able to retrieve a loose ball. If a player is hit (e.g. shoulders and below), he/she must sit down, at which point they have two options; tag a player running by (they switch positions), or pick up a loose ball and throw it at a running player. If hit, that player sits as well; they do not switch positions. A safe zone may be added to allow students to slow down safely before the wall, but when “go” is heard, that safe zone is canceled!

Elimination Spud

All players are given a number in sequence (e.g. 1-30), and are scattered throughout the gym. The teacher throws/rolls/drops the ball somewhere in the gym and calls a number. The player corresponding to that number grabs the ball. Once the player has control (or simply touches the ball), the teacher blows the whistle, an indication for all players to freeze. The thrower attempts to roll/throw the ball to hit the closest player. If hit, that player is eliminated. If the thrower misses, the thrower is eliminated. If a potential target person moves a foot, he/she is eliminated. Rather than simply sitting out, players can be given 20 push ups/20 situps, etc.) while waiting for that round to end. This game is controlled by the teacher, and he/she must remember the numbers eliminated! A checklist helps! The teacher may also throw the ball towards a large group, or simply drop the ball wherever to increase the activity level of the game.

Cats in Your Corner

Place 4 mats in each of the four corners of the gym. In the circle in the middle of the gym are 4-5 players, each with a ball. All other players choose a starting corner. Players are safe on a mat until one person in the middle yells, “Cats in Your Corner” and all must run from one mat to the next without getting hit (shoulders and below). Teacher must identify one direction for movement! Throwers in the middle attempt to hit runners as they move from one mat to the next. Players who are hit must sit in the middle with the throwers until the end of the round. Throwers can retrieve balls, but must return to the centre to throw them. Rebounds off the floor can count.

Bombardment

This game is a different type of dodge ball game! Two teams, each standing along one line at the end of the gym, facing one another. A basketball is placed in the centre of the gym. Each player is given a volleyball. On the signal, players throw their volleyballs at the basketball, attempting to make the basketball roll toward their opponent’s end zone. Players are not permitted to touch the basketball (results in a point for the other team). If the ball rolls across an identified line in one end, a point is awarded to the other team. Balls must be thrown at the basketball; a player cannot hold onto the volleyball and “bunt” the basketball away.

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